The parable about feeding the wolves is one that plays in my mind regularly. It is a story that illustrates the internal struggle between good and evil, light and darkness, or positive and negative aspects within us. In this parable, there are two wolves representing these opposing forces, and the one that grows stronger is the one we feed.
This message reminds us that the choices we make and the thoughts we nurture have a direct impact on our well-being. By focusing on positive thoughts, actions and behaviors, we can cultivate a healthier and more balanced mental state.
I frequently find myself encouraging the people I love by reminding them not to “feed that wolf” when they find themselves struggling with unhelpful thoughts or actions. As with most things that are good for us, it is easier said than done, but that mindset shift can be truly transformative when taken to heart.
— Jennifer Elzweig, program manager, Valerie’s House Pensacola
“You are replaceable... and you want to be.” This takes nothing away from how special you are or how well or important the work you do is, but understanding this will give you the freedom to be absent.
After spending my entire adult life in the military and transferring duty stations every three to four years, I could easily come to terms with this idea of being replaceable. Whether I was prepared or not — I had to quickly fill in for someone else because of short-notice transfers, deployments, illnesses, promotions and even death.
Whatever may cause your absence, planned or unplanned, it’s important that your replacement is ready and well prepared. Be replaceable ... trust your replacement, turn your cell phone off, and enjoy your well-deserved time off. There is nothing selfish in that.
— Jody King, retired navy nurse
and IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area volunteer
My first job out of college was with the Studer Group. As newlyweds, Craig and I had a front row seat to watch and learn from Quint Studer who always says, “The only legacy we leave behind is to those we teach.” Craig and I are called to serve this community. When we leave this world, we won’t leave behind any buildings with our names on them. That’s an amazing gift but it’s not OUR purpose.
Instead, we will leave behind the people that we invested in and the knowledge and skills we shared with our children, our family, our church, our friends, our non-profit boards and our broader community. So, I always ask myself… where will you invest your energy and time today?
— Amanda Hindsman, PMO director, Intelligent Retinal Imaging Systems
What advice flickers, shines, smolders or ignites in your memory? Hop on our Facebook page and let us hear from you: facebook.com/pensacolabella.
